EXPLAINING ECZEMA

I think we’re heading a new respect for that “balance” [of bacteria] as a concept. Using a broad-spectrum antiseptic or antibiotic is probably not the answer anymore, and as we’re seeing increasing strains of super-bacteria and bacteria resistant to drugs, we need to keep our eye on that point that it is possible to overuse broad-spectrum medications.

WHAT DOES A “BA L ANCED” MICROBIOME ENTAIL?

A healthy skin barrier is really composed of a number of different layers, if you will, or parts. We have the acidity of the skin, sometimes called the acid mantle [because] that lower pH has to be present. Then we have the actual barrier function itself, and there’s a whole bunch of important proteins in there that keep the wall built and strong against outside invaders.

There’s also the immune system playing a role in surveillance, aka making sure that we don’t let invaders in. But, an important part of a healthy skin barrier and healthy skin, is a microbiome that is diverse — that has a number of different bacterial elements, and probably even some viruses and fungal elements that we don’t know as much about yet. They just have to be all playing well together.

WHAT EXAC T LY IS THE CONNEC T ION BE TWEEN A SK IN M ICROB IOME IMBALANCE AND ECZEMA FLAREUPS?

We know that in 80% of people with eczema there is an overgrowth of one specific type of bacteria that perpetuates the itch-scratch-irritation cycle. We see that right before an eczema flare up happens, this bad bacteria starts to overgrow, producing toxins that cause inflammation. If you can safely remove this bad bacteria while keeping the healthy bacteria intact, your skin will be much happier.

CAN AN A L LERGY TES T SHOW WHAT IS CAUSING MY CHILD’S ECZEMA?

An allergy test will uncover ingredients that your child should avoid. However, eczema is complex, so there may be many factors that contribute to the eczema.

CAN S TERO IDS MAKE ECZEMA WORSE OR CAUSE ADD I T IONA L HEALTH ISSUES?

This is a very controversial topic. While most dermatologists recommend steroid creams as a way to keep eczema under control, they are only supposed to be used for short periods of time.